You might think you always need an oil cooler for your track car, but that’s not the case. Let’s explore when it’s essential and when it adds unnecessary complexity.
Before making any modifications, it’s crucial to test your setup. Resources like time and money are finite. Oil cooler kits can cost between $300 and $1500 and require a few hours for installation. A straightforward way to determine if you need one is by using a temperature gauge in your oil system. If you already have an oil pressure gauge, adding a temperature sensor (like these from Bosch) is ideal. Many modern sports cars come with oil temperature sensors, but basic models may not. You can easily install one using a sandwich plate on the oil housing.
Today’s synthetic oils can withstand high temperatures well. As a rule of thumb, consider adding an oil cooler if your temperature reaches 270°F or more. Sustained temperatures around 260-270°F may be manageable, but they risk thermal oxidation, which can degrade your oil and lead to sludge and varnish formation. You might be fine if you keep up with oil changes, but temperatures above 300°F can compromise viscosity and lead to engine failure.
While oil coolers can provide peace of mind by keeping your engine healthy, they don’t add power—think of them as performance retainers. Brands like PWR offer efficient, lightweight cores that can be mounted in various locations, even bumpers or behind radiators. This helps reduce weight for unneeded ducting and the coolers themselves.
However, adding an oil cooler introduces another system that can fail. Keeping it simple is key; the more components you add, the more chances there are for failure. Ensure proper line placement and routing to avoid rubbing or stress at fittings.
TL;DR: Monitor oil temperature. If it reaches 260-270°F, maintain diligent oil change intervals. For temperatures above 270°F, consider an oil cooler, ensuring it’s appropriately installed to avoid issues.